Australia's Most Significant Wetlands: From Kakadu to the Gippsland Lakes
Australia boasts diverse wetlands of international importance, many designated as Ramsar sites. Key examples include:
- Kakadu National Park (NT): Vast floodplains, mangroves, and biodiversity within a World Heritage Site.
- Arnhem Land (NT): Remote wetlands like the Arafura Swamps and Cobourg Peninsula.
- Macquarie Marshes (NSW): Major floodplain wetland in the Murray-Darling Basin.
- Coorong, Lower Lakes, and Murray Mouth (SA): Estuarine system at the Murray River's end.
- Peel-Yalgorup System (WA): Coastal lakes and estuaries near Mandurah.
- Gippsland Lakes (Vic): Large coastal lagoon system with salt marshes and waterbirds.
- Ord River Wetlands (WA): Kimberley region floodplains and Lake Argyle.
- Freycinet National Park (Tas): Coastal lagoons and saltmarshes.
These wetlands support unique flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.